The ETA is quick and easy
Sri Lanka’s Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is required for most nationalities and is one of the simplest visa processes anywhere. Apply online at eta.gov.lk, pay $35 USD, receive approval within 24 hours. Done.
The ETA process
Go to eta.gov.lk — the official government portal. Fill in the application form, upload a passport photo, pay $35 by card. You receive the ETA by email, usually within a few hours (max 72 hours). Print it or have it on your phone. Present it at immigration on arrival.
What it covers
The tourist ETA allows a stay of 30 days per entry, extendable to 90 days at the Department of Immigration in Colombo. Double entry is permitted. Valid for 6 months from issue date — so apply close to your travel date rather than months ahead.
Extension
Extending at the Department of Immigration in Borella, Colombo: $55 for a 30-day extension. Process takes one working day. You can extend up to a maximum of 90 days total in Sri Lanka on a tourist ETA. Bring your passport, the ETA, and a hotel booking or guesthouse address.
Note on third-party sites
Multiple unofficial websites charge $50-100+ for the same ETA that costs $35 on the official portal. Always use eta.gov.lk directly. The official site is sometimes slow — use a different browser or try at a different time of day if you encounter issues.